The Best Exercise - Martin Wiles

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NLT

If having one would help me keep track of my health, then why not buy it? 

What initially attracted me wasn’t its sleek style or the many things it could do. It combined the functions of a watch and an alarm, and I’ve been a sucker for a watch since I was nine years old. But since my wife and I had been on a health kick, I had also been attracted to its benefits.

Fitbit is an American company known for making wireless products that track steps, heart rate, vigorous activity, sleep quality, calories, and other personal metrics. An added feature is that it syncs with my iPhone and alerts me when I have text messages, calendar notifications, and incoming calls. 

Until I was forty years of age, I could eat anything I wanted without consequence. Not so now. And as I get older, I realize I must take care of myself (and my wife) if I want to increase my chances of staying here a little longer. Because my wife has more health concerns than I do, I had no problem justifying spending the money for a Fitbit if it would help us. Eventually, however, my iPhone eliminated my need for the Fitbit. 

Paul commends physical exercise and good health. After all, God made our bodies and expects us to treat them with care. For believers, our bodies house his Spirit and are a temple. They are also living sacrifices. 

As good as physical exercise and proper eating are, spiritual exercise is better. Physical exercise is good for this life only; spiritual exercise is good for both this life and the next. In fact, without proper spiritual exercise, we won’t enjoy what the life to come offers. 

Spiritual exercise helps us enjoy the abundant life Jesus says we can have now. A life lived daily with confidence and assurance. Confidence that God loves us and has accepted us into his family. Assurance that nothing or no one can take us from his hand. A life lived without condemnation because Jesus has taken our sin. 

Spiritual exercise isn’t easy, but it’s always beneficial. We’ll never lose when we devour God’s Word, bathe in prayer, commune with other believers, love everyone unconditionally, serve others with kindness, forgive our enemies (and friends), and care for God’s world. 

Exercise physically, but don’t miss the benefits of the best exercise.

Father, give me the stamina to exercise spiritually every day. 

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Be Secure - Martin Wiles

For I can do everything with the help of Christ, who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Donned in my walking attire, I looked at my wife and said, “Anyone who can wear this is secure in themselves.”

For years, I’ve walked to keep off the extra pounds. But one day, when I dressed in the clothes I intended to wear while walking, my wife took one look and said, “That’s a hot mess.”

My pants had stripes, and my jacket had checks. I topped off my outfit with a striped Fedora hat. I really didn’t care what anyone else thought about my outfit—but that hasn’t always been true.

When I was a young lad, my appearance caused me great insecurity. Somewhere along the line, I stopped caring what others thought and became secure in my identity.

Paul had many reasons to be insecure after choosing to follow Christ. He was hounded frequently by unbelievers who would have loved nothing better than to destroy his ministry. The multiple trials he faced also added to his precarious situation. But he was confident.

As followers of Christ, we can be secure in our identity. The Bible calls us saints. The last time I checked, I was far from sainthood, but that’s my position in Christ. When we trust Christ as our Savior and receive his forgiveness, we trade in the label of “sinner.” Though we still sin, it’s not the pattern of our lives, nor does it have to be. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live above sin regularly.

As believers, we can also be secure in our life situations. Paul experienced good times and bad times. He established many churches and witnessed thousands trust Christ as their Savior, but he also experienced patience-trying and life-threatening situations. Yet he was secure. In another place, he wrote, I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. Learning that lesson isn’t easy or quick, but when we’ve mastered it, unpleasant situations won’t cause us to feel insecure.

Further, as God’s child, we can be secure in our gifts. God gives all believers at least one gift of the Spirit, but most have more. Our responsibility is to use it (or them) wisely, faithfully, and in ways that honor the God who gave them.

If your life is hounded by insecurities, God can empower you to overcome them.

Father, I give my insecurities to you, believing you can help me conquer each one. 

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Stuck in Place - Martin Wiles

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. Titus 2:12 NLT

I’ve tried it at my home, a motel room, and a gym; I didn’t particularly appreciate being stuck in place at either spot.

For me, exercising in place is the supreme act of boredom. I once owned a treadmill and used it religiously. I placed it in the den so I could watch television while walking. I soon tired of the same scenery—or lack thereof. Then, I bought a stair climber, thinking this would provide a more strenuous workout. In the den, it went. Once again, boredom marched in. Going to a gym didn’t help, either. Though there were others around, the scenery was the same. I’ve even run and walked in place in a motel room if I was away on a business trip. 

Regardless of where I exercise, I’m stuck in place if I do it on a stationary machine. I also must endure the same scenery. Give me the outside. A place where my view changes frequently and is unlimited. A place where I can hear birds sing, watch geese waddle in the pond, and marvel at the various types of trees, wildflowers, and wildlife. A place where I can say I’ve moved from point A to B.

As exercising in place confines me, so I have sometimes felt stuck spiritually. I wasn’t necessarily dabbling in godless living or sinful pleasures. I wasn’t making any forward motion.

When we’re not moving forward spiritually or growing in our walk with God, we’re falling backward. God doesn’t want our journey with him to look like a yield graph of some popular stock. Instead, he desires a steady incline with no dips or plateaus. If we allow ourselves to get stuck in place, Satan will move in, steal our focus, and lead us into sinful areas.

Eagerly studying God’s Word for practical insights—not merely reading it because we always have—staying closely connected with fellow believers—not simply because of what they can do for us—and praying heartfelt, earnest prayers—not merely repeating words and phrases—will all move us from a stuck position and keep us on the incline.

Decide on one action that will prevent you from being spiritually stuck.

Father, keep me close to You and always on the move in my spiritual growth. 

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Gaining or Just Maintaining - Martin Wiles

You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12b NLT

If I didn’t maintain, I’d gain … so I walked.

Summers for me are tough when it comes to weight gain. During the school year, I’m busy, walking here and there, constantly moving about. But during the summer, things slow down. No kids to keep up with. No copier to walk back and forth to. No trips to the office. Instead, I do a lot of sitting. And the pounds come. Usually, about ten of them, which seem never to disappear when the next school year begins.

Calculating my weight in my head, I knew I could not afford to gain ten pounds each summer. By the time I retired, I would weigh …. Well, we won’t talk about that number. One summer I decided to take action. Instead of walking my normal thirty minutes, I increased it to forty-five. And rather than walking with my normal posture, I decided to square my shoulders and suck in my gut.

My plan worked. That summer, I maintained my weight rather than gained any extra pounds. I also gained a tighter belly where a bulge had once begun to form.

The writer of Hebrews addressed the matter of maintaining, yet he didn’t want his readers to just maintain. He wanted them to gain. They had been believers for quite some time and should have been able to teach others the principles of God’s Word. Instead, they still needed someone to teach them.

In our spiritual journey, maintaining doesn’t exist. If we don’t move forward, we fall backward. A diet of only milk is for babies—and the same is true for spiritual babes. God wants us to learn more about Him and His ways. He wants us to grow in our love for Him and in our service to Him and others.

Gaining takes initiative and a plan. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically, as physical growth does. I can’t place a Bible on my nightstand or under my pillow and expect to gain knowledge.

God gives methods by which we grow—most of which come through action. Reading and applying the teachings of His Word, staying in a spirit of prayer, hanging out with spiritual mentors and friends, serving others, and using our spiritual gifts. When we do these things, we’ll gain—and in the process help move God’s Kingdom forward.

Let God show you what actions you need to take to move forward in your spiritual walk.

Prayer: Father, move us into gaining spiritual ground for You.

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Until the End - Martin Wiles

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 NLT

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

My dedication to exercise almost parrots a mail person’s commitment. In my younger years, I mixed up my exercise regimen by jogging, running, cycling, and walking. Now that I’m older and the joints achier, I stick to walking only.

If I were an inside exerciser, the outside temperature or what was falling from the sky wouldn’t worry me. But I’m not an inside exerciser. I prefer the outdoors where I can breathe fresh air, gaze at the various patterns of clouds, and listen to the birds. And I walk, regardless. Well … almost.

A common saying among hikers and backpackers is “Rain is not a deterrent, just an inconvenience.” When it comes to exercising, I believe the saying and have the notches on my backpack to prove it. As long as lighting isn’t popping, sleet or hail isn’t falling, or temperatures aren’t plunging into the teens, I walk. I enjoy it, know it’s good for my health, and realize I could easily find excuses not to if I wasn’t determined.

Paul encourages the same kind of perseverance in obeying Christ and living a holy life. He planned to press on until he reached heaven—or met Christ at His second coming.

Persevering to the end takes a determined mindset, such as the one I have about exercising. If I wanted, I could easily find excuses every day not to exercise. Too hot, too cold, raining, tired, too much to do. But I am determined to stay as healthy as possible so I can enjoy the life God has given me.

On my own, I can’t manage the type of perseverance this takes. The courage comes from God who is more than able to supply the determination I need to obey Him in my actions, my words, and the practice of my spiritual disciplines.

Paul knew the benefits of persevering in God’s calling on his life. Exercise has benefits. That’s why I keep doing it, whether I feel like it or not. I know living as God wants me to brings peace, assurance, and joy. Doing so may not always be easy—it wasn’t for Paul—but it’s the best exercise around.

Don’t let discouragement, laziness, or other things keep you from persevering until the end for God.

Prayer: Father, give us the strength we need to follow You faithfully until the end.

Tweetable: How's your spiritual exercise program?

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Throwback Tuesday - Spiritual Workouts - Martin Wiles

Spiritual Workouts

What begins from good intentions is often lost in the shuffle of life.

The pastor said it, and I have no reason to doubt its validity. He’s been there and done that. Go to the local YMCA at the beginning of each New Year, and the exercise equipment will be brimming with eager participants seeking to work out New Year resolutions. Visit three months later, and you can have your pick of the machines. 

I’m one of the guilty ones. I’ve never visited the YMCA or any other fitness organization, but I’ve had a few of those exercise machines lounging around in my house. And true to form, I only used them for a few months before I tired of them. They became yard sale items or stations to lay clothes. Read more...

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Fit for the Work - Martin Wiles

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 NLT

The scales reflected numbers I didn’t appreciate. It was time for a change.

All my life, I had wanted to gain weight, but nothing worked. Then I hit the magic mark where gaining weight came easier than I desired. No longer could I eat anything in sight in whatever quantity I desired. When finding my waist size and inseam became difficult, I decided to act.

My wife once belonged to Weight Watchers and knew the point system. I told her how much I needed to lose, and she did the math. For three months, I stuck to the plan and watched as the pounds slowly evaporated. Then I switched to My Fitness Pal and counted calories. The pounds came off quicker, but still slower than I liked.

Finally, after six months, I stepped onto the scales and observed the number I’d been reaching for. I stood sideways and looked in the mirror and no longer saw the bulge hanging over my belt. I felt better, looked better, and believed I was healthier.

But I couldn’t let myself go and once again eat anything I wanted. To maintain my weight, I’d have to watch my calories from now until I died—and exercise several times a week. Not something I enjoy but necessary to maintain fitness.

According to Jesus, His kingdom work requires fit people. Anyone who puts his plow to the work of the Kingdom—but then looks back at worldly attachments—isn’t fit for Kingdom work.

I once heard a true saying: “If you want something done, find a busy person.” I found it to be true. A busy person is often in shape also. Both seem to run hand in hand. The nature of God’s work—to impact the world with the message of Jesus’ love—requires good shape: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Most of all, spiritually.

Jesus instructs His followers to do His work while it’s day because the night approaches quickly. Time is short—and will end. Neglecting His work means thousands will die daily without having a chance to believe in Him and claim heaven as their eternal home. When I’m in good spiritual shape, I’ll look for ways to stem this tide.

No one person can do it all, but together we can fit ourselves to touch people with Jesus’ love. Think of one way you can join the fitness program.

Tweetable: Are you fit for God's work? 

Prayer: Father, motivate us to share Your love with a world that needs to hear and experience Your love.

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Throwback Tuesday - Preserving the Temple - Martin Wiles

Since I’ve been a young child, I’ve periodically neglected mine. Fortunately, it has held up amazingly well so far.

The human body is an awesome creation. While I’ve never allowed anyone to puncture it with needles and ink, I’ve abused it in other ways. It has withstood addictive and harmful substances placed in it by a reckless teenager and a less than responsible young adult. I’ve occasionally allowed it to suffer in appearance. And since I’ve always been a fan of junk food, my body has inhaled its share of unhealthy substances. Read more...

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